Warwickshire promote Manraj Johal from academy

Johal has previously represented Staffordshire in the National County Championship in addition to playing matches for Warwickshire's second XI.

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Warwickshire have promoted seamer Manraj Johal from the academy to their professional ranks.

Johal, who has been with the club since he was in the under-11 age group, graduates having spent one year at their academy, and earlier their emerginging player programme.

“I’ve always played cricket ever since I could remember and it’s always been my goal to play for Warwickshire,” said Johal.

“Having worked hard to earn this initial contract and I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported me in the pathway. I fully appreciate that there’s a lot more tough yards ahead to make it as a Bear, but I’m going to give it everything and can’t wait to get started when we return to training next month.”

In 2018, aged just 16, Johal moved to West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club. Later in the same season, he started taking the new ball and has since taken 60 wickets for their first team at an average of 20.70.

Warwickshire’s High Performance Manager Paul Greetham, said: “During his time in the pathway, Manraj has shown how determined he is to reach it to the top and he has also proved that he could overcome notable setbacks along the way.

“He has demonstrated the character, skill sets and resilience that we want to see in a Warwickshire cricketer and whilst we have high hopes for him with the ball, Manraj offers a lot with the bat and is strong in the field."

Meanwhile, Ian Westwood, men’s second XI coach at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Manraj has a nice repeatable action with a good heavy ball and he has impressed us at every opportunity when he has been around the professional ranks.

“Throughout last winter and ahead of this recent season, he has put himself forward for extra sessions, but he has also shown an understanding of how a fast bowler should prepare by dedicating a lot of time to his strength and conditioning.

“We’re delighted to see him come through into the senior men’s squad and are very excited about his potential.”

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